Active content is additional functionality in a file or program, such as macros, add-ins, or data connections. This article lists types of active content that can be blocked by settings in Trust Center and which, when present in a document, cause display of the Message Bar when you open your file.

If active content is blocked, a Message Bar appears. If more than one type of active content is in the file, the Message Bar warns, Some active content has been disabled.

A Message Bar warning about active content in a file

Check files by using Trust Center

In Trust Center, you can configure checks of content in files for computer viruses or other security hazards that can be delivered to your computer by active content. These checks prevent active content from running automatically, which helps to protect your computer and network by preventing unexpected or malicious content from running.

Types of active content

To see the types of active content that are blocked, click Trust Center Settings to open the Trust Center window.

Settings in Trust Center specify how Office handles active content

You can also review the following list, which identifies various types of active and external content that are blocked by Trust Center. A Message Bar is displayed when the following types of active content are in your files:

ActiveX controls

Add-ins

Data connections

Macros

Excel 4.0 macros

Spreadsheet links

The following kinds of external content are linked externally to the file or are embedded, and they are blocked: